What I Learned from Mom

The first year after Mom's death, I thought time would always drag.  How can it be now that eight years have passed?  Will it always seem like yesterday I could call and get her voicemail: "Hi, this is Linda -- Mom.  Leave a message ..."?  Dad did not cancel Mom's cell phone.  For months afterwards, I called to hear her voice.  

What is it about the human senses?  Sight, sound, smells, touch, even taste.  Our memories store up the most unremarkable, everyday experiences to recreate moments we took for granted would always be there.  Even now I can close my eyes and remember when Mom hugged me: the softness of her shoulders (she was never the first to let go); the silky touch of her hair only just beginning to turn gray; the scent of that  bath powder she applied religiously with a powder puff.  

Time finally began to move forward again in the fall of that year, when we learned we were expecting our third baby.  I just knew I would have another boy, but on June 1, 2007,  the doctor announced, "It's a girl!"  We named her Linda Elisabeth.  Betsy.

Betsy Turns Seven

Betsy turned seven on Sunday.  Mom would have been 70 on June 27th.  Two Lindas, whose lives did not overlap, except in the family who love them both.  

What I Learned from Mom

written in 2000

These are the things that I learned from my mom.  She never actively tried to teach these truths to me.  I picked them up by osmosis: by spending 18 years in her household and a lifetime in her love.  She has been one of the greatest influences in my life.  I do not want to wait until Mother's Day or until she is gone to thank her for these gifts.

I learned that when you tell your children that their daddy is the most handsome, strongest daddy in the world in front of him, your children are really learning that mommy loves daddy, and because this is true, everything is right in the world.

I learned that saving money for something I want is as much fun as actually buying that item. 

I learned that you should really relish eating simple, good food, like homemade apple pie.

I learned that you should always call strangers, "Y'all," even if you moved away from the south 30 years ago.  It makes them feel more welcome.

I learned that when you read the Bible to your children every morning before school, even though they don't appreciate it at the time, 

they will hear your voice in their minds' ears 

every time they read the Bible

to themselves

or to their children

every morning

before school.

And this is a gift they will treasure the rest of their lives.

Mom Turns 35